FAQs

Who is Big Lots?

Answer: Big Lots is America's largest broad line closeout retailer with annual sales approaching $5 billion and nearly 1,400 stores nationwide. Our shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol BIG and we're ranked among the Fortune 500.

What is a closeout?

Answer: Closeouts are the same first-quality, brand-name products found at other retailers, but at substantially lower prices. We buy closeout merchandise from manufacturers who want to reduce inventory as a result of package changes, canceled orders, product discontinuation or test market products.

Answer: Who wouldn't love a store that offers them incredible bargains on a wide selection of brand-name merchandise, as well as bargain-priced basics and seasonal merchandise? Typically, Big Lots sells items for 20% to 40% less than discount stores and up to 70% below conventional retailers.

How does Big Lots get such great deals?

Answer: We have excellent relationships with more than 3,000 manufacturers. Because of our size and international buying clout, we can locate and negotiate the best deals on a variety of products to meet customers' wants and needs.

Who shops at Big Lots?

Answer: All kinds of people shop at Big Lots - although most fall into one of three groups. Budget shoppers are people who look for the lowest price, regardless of the brand. Discount shoppers hunt for bargains and prefer brand names. And deal hunters - our most passionate group - shop for the fun and excitement of finding a great bargain.

How long has Big Lots been in business?

Answer: Before we were Big Lots, we were Consolidated International, Inc., founded in 1967. Big Lots, as a name, has existed since 1985.

What is the average sales volume of a Big Lots store?

Answer: Annual per-store sales average is $3.5 million.

Why don't all stores carry furniture?

Answer: To allow an adequate furniture display, a store location must have the necessary square footage (approximately 4,000 sq. ft.). Of course, competitive opportunities in a community are also a factor.

Answer: Merchandise must be accompanied by the original sales receipt and is required for all refunds and exchanges. Purchase must have been made within the last 30 days and the merchandise must be in its original condition, complete with accessories, packaging and instructions. Refunds will be issued based on the method of payment (i.e. cash for cash purchases, credit on a credit card for credit card purchases, etc.).

INVESTOR RELATIONS

How can I request an annual report?

Answer: Annual reports for years 2000 to 2003 can be downloaded from our Web site. There is a page that contains links to our annual reports in the Investor Relations section. These are Adobe Portable Document Format files, so you will need the Acrobat Reader to view the on-line versions of our annual reports. All annual reports prior to 2000 are available upon request via fax, phone or by writing to the Investor Relations department.

Answer: The following information on the company is available by request: Annual Report, 10-K, 10-Q, proxy, and current press releases. All reports can be downloaded from our Web site in the Investor Relations section or may be requested using one of these options:

STORE LOCATIONS

Answer: Enter your zip code or city and state in our Store Locator to find the Big Lots locations in your area.

What should I do if I know of a potential location for one of your stores?

Answer: We plan to open between 80 to 100 new stores each of the next three years. If you have information about a potential site, please visit our Real Estate section.

RETAIL CUSTOMERS

Do you sell furniture?

Answer: Furniture is one of our fastest growing categories and we are one of the top 10 largest furniture retailers in the United States. We currently have full-sized furniture departments in over 1,100 of our nearly 1,400 stores.